Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Xuan Zan is a fictional character featured in the classic Chinese novel Water Margin. He is a high-ranking military officer from the Northern Song Dynasty who eventually defects to join the Liangshan rebels. He is famously known as the ‘Ugly Prince Consort’ due to his grotesque appearance—he possessed a dark complexion, a wild beard, and bulging eyes, which made him look like a monstrous deity. Despite his frightening appearance, he was an accomplished warrior known for his skill with the sword and spear.
Originally, Xuan Zan served under Liang Zhongshu (梁中书, Lương Trung Thư) in Daming Prefecture. His life took a dramatic turn when he was spotted by a princess of the royal family. Despite his ugliness, the princess fell in love with his military prowess and inner character, marrying him and earning him the title of ‘Prince Consort’ (Junma). However, his wife eventually died of melancholy, and Xuan Zan remained a low-level officer until his encounter with Guan Sheng (关胜, Quan Thắng). He recommended Guan Sheng to lead the imperial army to suppress the Liangshan uprising, but after Guan Sheng was captured and persuaded to join the rebels, Xuan Zan was captured alongside him and chose to follow suit.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
While Xuan Zan does not appear in the historical Romance of the Three Kingdoms, his character archetype mirrors that of tragic military figures in folklore, defined by loyalty to sworn brothers and a willingness to sacrifice his imperial status for the cause of Liangshan.
Xuan Zan — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 63
Introduction and Defection
Xuan Zan arrives at Liangshan Marsh as a deputy to Guan Sheng to aid in the suppression of the outlaws, only to be captured and join the ranks of the 108 heroes.
Chapter 119
Death at Suzhou
During the final campaign against the rebel leader Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp), Xuan Zan engages in a duel with the rebel general Guo Shishen. He drags the enemy off his horse, and both fall into the city moat where they perish together.
Key Relationships
- Guan Sheng (关胜, Quan Thắng)
- Xuan Zan’s primary superior and sworn brother; he follows Guan Sheng faithfully from the imperial army to the Liangshan base.
- Hao Siwen (郝思文, Hách Tư Văn)
- A fellow officer and close comrade who, along with Xuan Zan and Guan Sheng, constitutes the ‘Three Generals’ trio within the Liangshan hierarchy.
- Liang Zhongshu (梁中书, Lương Trung Thư)
- The imperial official who initially employed Xuan Zan in the Daming Prefecture military.
